Coming back to Knoxville after the holidays and want to get some fishing in before school starts. Where should I head? Is the clinch out of commission right now? How has the Hiwassi been? Just give me a recommendation and what flies have been hitting if you know. Thanks, Ben.

I've heard some stories that the shad are coming thru the generators on the Hiwassee lately. This makes for some good streamer fishing with football shaped stockers. Can be very fun! I am gonna check it out myself this week.

Yeah I would agree, the Hiwassee should be fine right now, a little cold for the trout's liking, but the Hiwassee is a tailwater, and it stays a little warmer than surrounding streams. It's also pretty high so you may get away with 4x or 3x tippet....maybe....I would still stick with 5x and 6x to be safe. Try Black stonefly nymphs in sizes of 8-12. Streamers (Sculpins, Zonkers, Clousers, bucktails, Kelly Galloup's Zoo Cougar, e.t.c) should work for those big 'Wassee browns. Hope you catch a bunch and tell us how ya did.